bass fishing
How To Land The
Next Large or
Smallmouth Bass!
fly fishing & boating
Buying a Used Boat
New boats are great to have. Just like new cars, there’s something satisfying about knowing that you are the only person who has ever piloted that craft. Having something brand new is a great feeling, but it does come with a price tag! Many people, especially new boaters will want, instead, to buy a used boat which can be just as nice as a new one at a much lower price.
Some people are interested only in impressing others with their huge, flashy boat. The waters are filled with people who often have more money than brains. For these kinds of people the bigger and more opulent their boat, the better they feel.
When you really think about it, though, the real point for a boating enthusiast is to get on the water. A real boater is someone who gets his or her boat moving. There are plenty of small motor boats that are out every weekend as opposed to the big boats that only see the open water once or twice a season. The people in those small boats are real boaters. They know the benefits of boating and are eager to be on board their vessel as much as possible.
Most vehicles lose their new value quite quickly. Boats are no different. Within two years, it will only be worth half of what it was new. But their appearance and mechanical abilities will still be in good shape – especially if you are conscious enough to take good care of your boat.
That’s why used boats are such a good value. You get a lower price and the previous owner has already “shook out the webs” so to speak. Of course, not all used boats are good buys, so you do have to be careful what you look for in a used boat
Buying a used boat isn’t like buying a used car. They really haven’t been used very much when you think about the fact that boats sit most of the time. Don’t think you are buying into someone else’s problems. It’s easy to find boats with less than a couple of hundred hours of engine use.
Used boats often come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, safety equipment, and other nice add-ons. New boat owners have to pay several hundred dollars just to get this same equipment.
Of course the wildcards with used boats are structural and mechanical condition and whether the previous owner did the proper maintenance. Prior to purchase you must get a used boat surveyed including a sea trial to be assured that it is in reasonable condition. You must also be willing to absorb mechanical repairs over time. The same is true when a new boat goes out-of-warranty.
You should allow an extra $1,000 or so above the price you pay so that you can make any necessary repairs. This money is nice to have as well so you can pick up any incidentals that didn’t come with your new used boat.